Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden (Qing Nü) saves a critically injured woman, Ye Xian, who was left for dead.
• Ye Xian reveals she has a Mermaid's Tear Pearl in her abdomen, which saved her life and is now protecting her.
• Qing Nü decides to help Ye Xian find her beloved and save the mermaid that had helped her.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden (Qing Nü): Qing Nü demonstrates her exceptional medical skills and compassion by saving Ye Xian. She also shows curiosity and determination in helping Ye Xian find the mermaid.
• Ye Xian: Ye Xian reveals her tragic past and her connection to a mermaid, showing courage and resilience in surviving her ordeal.

Significant Themes

• Compassion and Kindness: Qing Nü's decision to save Ye Xian and help her find the mermaid highlights the theme of compassion and kindness.
• Gratitude and Repayment: Ye Xian's story of the mermaid saving her and her mother's act of kindness towards the mermaid emphasizes the theme of gratitude and repayment.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden (Qing Nü) and Ye Xian: Qing Nü treats Ye Xian's wounds and listens to her story, showing empathy and understanding. Ye Xian, in turn, expresses gratitude towards Qing Nü for saving her life.
• Ye Xian and the Mermaid: Ye Xian's bond with the mermaid is revealed, showing a connection between humans and mythical creatures based on kindness and gratitude.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Xian leads Verdant Green Maiden (Qing Nü) to Hundred Yue Cave, her hometown.
• Ye Xian reveals her past grievances to Qing Nü, seeking her help to avenge them.
• Qing Nü agrees to help Ye Xian but insists that Ye Xian should take revenge herself when she's ready.
• They find Hundred Yue Cave deserted; Ye Xian's family has been taken to the Tuo Han Kingdom.
• Ye Xian and Qing Nü travel to the Tuo Han Kingdom's capital, where they discover that Ye Xian's stepsister is about to marry the prince.
• Ye Xian confronts her stepsister and the king during the wedding ceremony, revealing her past mistreatment.

Character Developments

• Ye Xian: She shows resilience and courage in confronting her past and seeking justice. She also demonstrates self-awareness by acknowledging her lack of ability to take revenge immediately.
• Verdant Green Maiden (Qing Nü): Qing Nü displays a strong sense of justice and a willingness to help Ye Xian. She also shows a ruthless streak, admiring Ye Xian's desire for revenge. She believes in repaying grace and grudges appropriately.

Significant Themes

• Grace and grudges: The theme of remembering and addressing past wrongs is central to this chapter. Both Ye Xian and Qing Nü believe that grace and grudges should not be easily forgotten or forgiven.
• Revenge: The desire for revenge is a driving force for Ye Xian, and Qing Nü supports her in this pursuit.
• Trust and betrayal: Ye Xian's experiences highlight the theme of trust and betrayal, as her family and stepsister have betrayed her trust.

Character Interactions

• Ye Xian and Verdant Green Maiden: Their relationship deepens as Ye Xian confides in Qing Nü about her past, and Qing Nü agrees to help her. They work together to reach the Tuo Han Kingdom and confront Ye Xian's stepsister.
• Ye Xian and her stepsister: Their confrontation highlights the tension and animosity between them, as Ye Xian seeks justice for the wrongs done to her, while her stepsister denies any wrongdoing.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Xian is accused of lying about the Mermaid's Tear Pearls.
• Verdant Green Maiden rescues Ye Xian and the Mermaid from the Tuo Han Kingdom.
• Ye Xian decides to go to the Tang Kingdom and considers guarding its Southern Frontier.

Character Developments

• Ye Xian: Stands up to her accusers, decides to protect the Tang Kingdom's borderlands.
• Verdant Green Maiden: Shows compassion towards the Mermaid, supports Ye Xian's decision to guard the Southern Frontier.
• Prince of Tuo Han Kingdom: Betrays Ye Xian, aligns with her accusers.

Significant Themes

• Culture and identity: Ye Xian's Baiyue heritage is not a barrier but an asset if she embraces the culture of the Tang Kingdom.
• Loyalty and betrayal: Ye Xian remains loyal to her cause, while the prince betrays her.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Ye Xian: Their bond deepens as Verdant Green Maiden supports Ye Xian's decision and encourages her to guard the Southern Frontier.
• Ye Xian and the Prince: Their relationship deteriorates as the prince betrays Ye Xian and sides with her accusers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Xian departs for Lingnan, determined to prove herself.
• Verdant Green Maiden helps Li Mang obtain ice, revealing her ability to create ice.
• Verdant Green Maiden returns to Chang'an and encounters spies from the Yang Residence.
• Yang Yuhuan sends a letter to Verdant Green Maiden, seeking a meeting.
• Verdant Green Maiden returns to Dragon Treasure Garden, meets Li Bai, and decides to leave Chang'an.

Character Developments

• Ye Xian shows determination and ambition, eager to prove herself and secure her position.
• Verdant Green Maiden demonstrates her power and kindness, helping Li Mang despite his initial betrayal.
• Yang Yuhuan shows persistence in seeking a meeting with Verdant Green Maiden, hinting at a deeper interest or need.
• Li Bai expresses his desire to leave Chang'an, hinting at his growing disillusionment with the court.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and determination (Ye Xian, Verdant Green Maiden)
• Kindness and forgiveness (Verdant Green Maiden towards Li Mang)
• Persistence and pursuit (Yang Yuhuan towards Verdant Green Maiden)
• Disillusionment and departure (Li Bai, Verdant Green Maiden)

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Ye Xian: Mentor and mentee, with Ye Xian eager to prove herself and Verdant Green Maiden willing to help.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Li Mang: Initially hostile, but Verdant Green Maiden shows kindness and helps Li Mang, leading to mutual respect.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Yang Yuhuan: Yang Yuhuan persistently seeks a meeting, while Verdant Green Maiden is initially reluctant but eventually accepts Yang Yuhuan's letter.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Li Bai: They meet one last time before Verdant Green Maiden's departure, sharing a meal and expressing their possible future reunion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Bai reunites with Verdant Green Maiden (his master) by the Luo River.
• They travel to Luoyang, where Verdant Green Maiden buys an estate for them to live in.
• Li Bai meets Du Fu (Du Zimei), a renowned poet, and introduces him to Verdant Green Maiden.

Character Developments

• Li Bai: Struggles with his responsibilities towards his family in Shu, but is reluctant to stop his wandering lifestyle.
• Verdant Green Maiden: Shows concern for Li Bai's family and offers to help with his siblings' care.
• Du Fu: Meets Li Bai and Verdant Green Maiden, showing humility despite his poetic reputation.

Significant Themes

• Family responsibility vs. personal freedom (Li Bai's struggle with his family's needs vs. his desire to continue his wandering life).
• Mentorship and guidance (Verdant Green Maiden's role as Li Bai's master and her concern for his well-being).
• Humility and modesty (Du Fu's reaction to being called the "Poetry Sage").

Character Interactions

• Li Bai and Verdant Green Maiden: Their relationship is playful yet affectionate, with Verdant Green Maiden often teasing Li Bai.
• Li Bai and Du Fu: They meet as fellow poets, with Li Bai introducing Du Fu to Verdant Green Maiden.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Du Fu: They meet for the first time, with Verdant Green Maiden acknowledging Du Fu's poetic talent but noting that his style differs from Li Bai's.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden (VGM) learns that Li Bai (LB) and Du Fu (DF) have arrived. She's initially upset about being called old but accepts it.
• VGM offers to cook a meal for them, but LB must first master a new classic she's written before he can eat.
• VGM reveals she's planning to leave Luoyang, and LB expresses his desire to leave as well. They part ways, with VGM promising to see LB off when he dies.
• VGM travels to Hebei, seeking the Li family. She uses her immortality to pressure locals into revealing their whereabouts.

Character Developments

• VGM shows a mix of pride and vulnerability when her age is mentioned, but she accepts it gracefully.
• LB shows concern for VGM's well-being and expresses his desire to see her again before he dies.
• VGM demonstrates her immortality and willingness to use it to persuade others.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and aging.
• The inevitability of partings and death.
• The use of power and influence to persuade others.

Character Interactions

• VGM interacts with LB and DF, showing a mix of sternness and affection towards LB.
• VGM interacts with locals, using her immortality to pressure them into revealing information.
• LB and VGM have a heartfelt conversation about their future parting.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden (Fairy Qing) finds Li Longji after a decade-long search.
• Li Longji is revealed to be the descendant of Li Zhi, not Li Hong.
• Verdant Green Maiden offers Li Longji an opportunity to reclaim his family's imperial lineage and prevent the An Lushan Rebellion from splitting the realm.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden: She remains determined to find Li Longji and change the course of history. She believes that a new Great Tang can be established through Li Longji's bloodline.
• Li Longji: He is initially wary of Verdant Green Maiden but accepts her offer after considering the potential benefits for his family.

Significant Themes

• Fate and destiny: Verdant Green Maiden believes that Li Longji's family can change their fate and defy Heaven's will.
• Imperial lineage: The importance of Li Shimin's bloodline is emphasized, as Verdant Green Maiden sees it as crucial for maintaining Great Tang's unity.
• Chaos and turmoil: The impending An Lushan Rebellion is seen as an opportunity for Verdant Green Maiden to create a new order.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Li Longji: Their interaction is tense initially, but Li Longji eventually accepts Verdant Green Maiden's offer, leading to a potential alliance.
• Li Longji and his family: Li Longji introduces Verdant Green Maiden to his family, including his son Li Heng, setting the stage for their involvement in the upcoming events.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qing Nü meets Li Longji's family and offers to help Li Heng become emperor.
• Qing Nü and Li Heng travel to Shuofang, where Li Heng joins the army and rises to the rank of Colonel under Qing Nü's tutelage.
• The An Lushan Rebellion erupts, and Qing Nü leaves Shuofang to confront An Lushan.
• Qing Nü infiltrates An Lushan's camp and offers him a deal: treat the people of Luoyang City well, or she will kill him.

Character Developments

• Li Heng grows more confident and capable under Qing Nü's guidance, embracing his potential to become emperor.
• Qing Nü demonstrates her formidable skills and influence, manipulating events to suit her goals.
• An Lushan, now a powerful warlord, is initially wary but intrigued by Qing Nü's offer.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation of fate and destiny.
• The cyclical nature of power and rebellion.
• The consequences of one's actions and choices.

Character Interactions

• Qing Nü and Li Heng: Qing Nü mentors Li Heng, helping him grow into a capable leader.
• Qing Nü and An Lushan: Their reunion is tense, with Qing Nü offering An Lushan a deal that could determine his fate.
• Qing Nü and Tian: Their interactions hint at a complex relationship, with Tian acknowledging Qing Nü's cleverness and resourcefulness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qing Nü, disguised as a young lady, confronts An Lushan, threatening to kill him if he doesn't agree to her terms.
• An Lushan, intimidated, agrees to her terms, which involve treating the people well.
• Qing Nü leaves, and An Lushan asks if she's been to Yingzhou, hinting at his past.
• Qing Nü follows Li Jiqing's fleeing party to Shu but doesn't find the Crown Prince.
• The Imperial Guard mutinies against Li Jiqing at Mawei Slope.
• Yang Yuhuan meets Verdant Green Maiden in a ruined temple and accepts her fate.

Character Developments

• Qing Nü: Shows her power and determination, revealing she's not just a young lady but a formidable force.
• An Lushan: Initially arrogant, he becomes submissive and fearful in the face of Qing Nü's threat.
• Yang Yuhuan: Accepts her responsibility in the realm's chaos and her impending death, showing a level of understanding and acceptance.

Significant Themes

• Power and Fear: Qing Nü uses fear to control An Lushan, demonstrating the power of intimidation.
• Responsibility and Blame: Yang Yuhuan accepts her role in the realm's decline, and the blame that will be placed on her.
• The Past: Both An Lushan and Yang Yuhuan have pasts that haunt them, influencing their actions and decisions.

Character Interactions

• Qing Nü and An Lushan: Qing Nü intimidates An Lushan, showing her power and using it to control him.
• Yang Yuhuan and Verdant Green Maiden: Yang Yuhuan accepts her fate from Verdant Green Maiden, showing understanding and acceptance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Yuhuan tells Verdant Green Maiden her life story before dying from poisoned wine.
• Verdant Green Maiden travels to Shu and visits the Temple of the Illustrious Sage True Lord, where she meets Bai Susu.
• Verdant Green Maiden plans to discuss something with Yang Jian and Bai Susu.

Character Developments

• Yang Yuhuan accepts her fate and dies peacefully, revealing her true feelings and experiences to Verdant Green Maiden.
• Verdant Green Maiden shows patience and respect towards the dying Yang Yuhuan.
• Bai Susu and Yang Jian continue their duties as temple keepers, maintaining their identities and protecting Dujiangyan and Shu.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of one's actions and the passage of time.
• The power of faith and its impact on society.
• The struggle between personal feelings and duty.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yuhuan and Verdant Green Maiden: Yang Yuhuan shares her life story with Verdant Green Maiden, who listens patiently.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Bai Susu: They reunite, and Verdant Green Maiden asks Bai Susu about her life at Dujiangyan.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Yang Jian (implied): Verdant Green Maiden plans to discuss something with Yang Jian when he returns.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden warns Yang Jian and Bai Susu about the impending chaos in the realm due to the An Lushan Rebellion and advises them not to get involved.
• Verdant Green Maiden visits the Tai Ping Daoist temple to warn them about the potential danger from the Emperor and assures them of her protection.
• An Lushan captures Chang'an, declares himself Emperor of Great Yan, and orders his troops to loot the city. However, heavy snow begins to fall in midsummer, causing the rebels to hesitate and fear for their lives.
• An Lushan summons the Astronomical Bureau to explain the unusual weather phenomenon.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden demonstrates her concern for the common people and her willingness to protect them, even from the Emperor.
• Yang Jian and Bai Susu show affection and concern for each other.
• An Lushan reveals his ruthless and tyrannical nature as the new Emperor of Great Yan.

Significant Themes

• The Mandate of Heaven and the consequences of losing it.
• The power dynamics between the Emperor and his officials.
• The struggle between loyalty and self-preservation among officials.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden interacts with Yang Jian and Bai Susu, showing a mix of amusement, affection, and concern for their well-being.
• Verdant Green Maiden interacts with Zhao Zhenxuan, the abbot of Tai Ping Daoist temple, displaying understanding and reassurance.
• An Lushan interacts with the Astronomical Bureau, revealing his suspicion and ruthlessness towards those who serve him.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• An Lushan's army occupies Chang'an, and unusual snowfall begins.
• The Astronomical Bureau officials suggest praying to the Qing Xiao Jade Maiden (Verdant Green Maiden) to stop the snow.
• An Lushan visits the Qing Xiao Jade Maiden Temple, where he sees Verdant Green Maiden among the crowd.
• An Lushan falls ill after the temple visit and hands power to his son, An Qingxu.
• Verdant Green Maiden appears before An Lushan in his palace, revealing her past connection to him.

Character Developments

• An Lushan: Realizes Verdant Green Maiden's true identity and her past connection to him, leading to a mental breakdown and severe illness.
• Verdant Green Maiden: Reveals her past actions towards An Lushan and her current intentions.

Significant Themes

• Karma and retribution: Verdant Green Maiden's actions towards An Lushan reflect the theme of karma, where past deeds have consequences.
• Power and corruption: An Lushan's illness and subsequent loss of power highlight the corrupting influence of power and the fragility of those who wield it.

Character Interactions

• An Lushan and Verdant Green Maiden: Their interaction reveals their past connection and sets the stage for An Lushan's downfall.
• An Lushan and An Qingxu: An Lushan's illness and subsequent loss of power to An Qingxu strain their relationship, with An Qingxu seizing the opportunity to consolidate his power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qing Nü reveals she had tried to kill An Lushan in the past to prevent the current chaos.
• An Lushan is killed by his son, An Qingxu, who then orders the slaughter of everyone in the palace.
• Great Tang's rule over Hebei collapses, and the Shuofang Army, led by Li Heng, gains significant power.
• Li Heng, rumored to be a descendant of Li Tang, becomes the de facto Military Governor of the Shuofang Army.
• Li Jiqing in Shu learns of Li Heng's growing power and considers him a threat.

Character Developments

• An Lushan: Loses his sight and is killed by his son, An Qingxu.
• An Qingxu: Becomes the Emperor of Great Yan after killing his father and ordering a palace massacre.
• Li Heng: Rises from colonel to Military Commissioner, leading the Shuofang Army to numerous victories and becoming its de facto governor.
• Li Jiqing: Becomes increasingly paranoid and sees Li Heng as a threat to his rule.

Significant Themes

• The cycle of violence and revenge.
• The consequences of one's actions and the ripple effects they have on the world.
• The struggle for power and the corruption it can cause.

Character Interactions

• Qing Nü and An Lushan: Their conversation reveals Qing Nü's past attempt to kill An Lushan and her lack of remorse for his current state.
• An Lushan and An Qingxu: Their interaction ends with An Qingxu killing his father and ordering a massacre.
• Li Jiqing and his officials: Li Jiqing's interaction with his officials shows his growing paranoia and willingness to make enemies at a time of chaos.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Commander of the Bad People, previously unnoticed, suddenly speaks up in a meeting with Li Jiqing and other officials.
• He suggests that Li Heng might be a descendant of Prince Jin, Li Zhi, and thus a member of the imperial clan.
• Li Jiqing is initially skeptical but considers acknowledging Li Heng as imperial kin to gain his cooperation against the rebels.
• Li Jiqing decides to grant Li Heng the title of Prince Jin and sends the Commander of the Bad People to deliver the decree.

Character Developments

• The Commander of the Bad People reveals himself to be more influential and knowledgeable than previously thought, potentially having ties to Qing Nü and the mysterious woman in blue from the Bad People's lore.
• Li Jiqing shows his suspicion and paranoia, investigating the Commander of the Bad People after he suggests acknowledging Li Heng.

Significant Themes

• The importance of lineage and imperial blood in determining legitimacy and power.
• The struggle for control and influence among the Tang officials and Li Jiqing.
• The Commander of the Bad People's hidden connections and loyalties.

Character Interactions

• The Commander of the Bad People interacts with Li Jiqing, suggesting a course of action and being sent to deliver the imperial decree.
• Qing Nü meets with the Commander of the Bad People, revealing her knowledge of his mission and offering protection.
• The Commander of the Bad People and Qing Nü discuss Li Heng's potential imperial lineage and the Commander's future plans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Heng is ennobled as Prince Jin and given multiple official posts, including Military Governor of the Shuofang Army, granting him power and legitimacy to recruit troops and horses.
• The Bad People commander secretly advises Li Heng to focus on expanding his own strength rather than rushing to retake the capitals, hinting at a potential power struggle for the throne.
• The Verdant Green Maiden travels along the Hexi Corridor and encounters the Pacified West Army, led by Wei Boyu, returning to reinforce Guanzhong.

Character Developments

• Li Heng: Becomes more established and powerful with his new titles, but is also warned about potential political intrigue.
• The Verdant Green Maiden: Continues to travel west, displaying her supernatural abilities by stopping a warhorse with ease.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political intrigue: Li Heng is advised to focus on his own strength, hinting at a potential struggle for the throne, while the Verdant Green Maiden's actions suggest she may have a role to play in the power struggle.
• The chaos and instability of the realm: The Pacified West Army is recalled from the Western Regions to suppress the rebellion, leaving the Western Regions vulnerable and gradually cutting them off from the Central Plains.

Character Interactions

• Li Heng and the Bad People commander: Li Heng is advised to focus on expanding his power, while the Bad People commander hints at the Verdant Green Maiden's potential involvement in the power struggle.
• The Verdant Green Maiden and Wei Boyu: The Verdant Green Maiden encounters the Pacified West Army and questions Wei Boyu about his identity and official post, displaying her confidence and authority.

Key plot points and events

• The Verdant Green Maiden questions Pacified West Military Governor Wei Boyu, learning he has brought 20,000 of his 24,000 troops east, leaving only a small force to guard the Western Regions.
• She warns that the Western Regions must not be abandoned and orders him to return immediately, insisting that the protectorate and its allied states must remain part of Great Tang even if the dynasty falls.
• Wei refuses, believing he must obey the Sage’s command to aid the Central Plains. He forms his troops against her, but her power—cracking the earth across a vast area—shows she is far beyond an ordinary opponent.
• To prove her authority, she produces a blank imperial edict bearing Emperor Taizong’s authentic seal, writes an order on it, and gives it to Wei.
• Recognizing the seal’s authenticity and Taizong’s supreme standing among Tang soldiers, Wei accepts the edict’s authority. He still asks her to accompany him to the Pacified West Grand Protector-General and explain the situation; the army can camp at Hexi meanwhile.

Character developments and interactions

• Wei Boyu moves from confusion and defiance to awe and deference once he sees the Maiden’s power and Taizong’s seal. Though persuaded, he remains cautious and seeks confirmation from his superior.
• The Verdant Green Maiden shifts from questioning Wei to issuing an uncompromising strategic warning. She uses both overwhelming force and the imperial edict to stop the army from pressing east.
• Their exchange centers on competing obligations: Wei’s duty to the current Sage versus the Maiden’s appeal to Taizong’s legacy.

Significant themes

• Loyalty across dynasties: The Maiden argues that protecting the Western Regions and its people must outlast Great Tang itself.
• The authority of tradition and legacy: Taizong’s symbolic power can outweigh orders from the reigning emperor.
• Duty versus strategic foresight: Wei follows his immediate imperial command, while the Maiden warns that withdrawing troops could leave the frontier dangerously exposed.
• Power and legitimacy: The Maiden’s supernatural display establishes her might, while the genuine edict provides political authority.

Key plot points and events

• Wei Boyu and Verdant Green Maiden return to Kucha after several months and meet Pacified West Grand Protector Li Gong. Wei presents the Imperial Edict that ordered the Western Regions garrison never to abandon its post or send troops back to the Central Plains.
• Li Gong initially calls the edict a forgery, but recognizes it as genuine. He is unsettled that he never knew of Taizong’s decree and demands to know who Verdant Green Maiden is.
• When Li Gong orders her seized, Verdant Green Maiden signals for Kucha soldiers to enter. The King of Kucha and an envoy from the Heavenly Mountain Kingdom explain that they support her and fear the Western Regions will be left vulnerable if Tang troops withdraw.
• Li Gong refuses to stay, arguing that the Tang realm is in chaos and the army must help restore order. Verdant Green Maiden warns that the army will not get another chance to return.
• She removes Li Gong from command and appoints Wei Boyu Grand Protector. The King of Kucha has Li Gong taken away safely, under guard.
• Wei, impressed by Verdant Green Maiden’s authority, concludes that she must belong to a secret lineage arranged by Taizong to protect the Western Regions. He bows to her and asks what he had been wondering.

Character developments and interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden reveals considerable influence over Kucha and the Heavenly Mountain Kingdom, takes decisive control of the succession, and remains calm under Li Gong’s accusations.
• Wei Boyu shifts from anxiety over the army’s withdrawal to awe and deference toward Verdant Green Maiden. He interprets events through his belief that Taizong foresaw the future.
• Li Gong is torn between his duty to the Central Plains and the edict’s command to defend the Western Regions. His refusal costs him his post, though he is not harmed.
• The King of Kucha and the Heavenly Mountain envoy make clear that the Western kingdoms depend on Tang protection and regard Verdant Green Maiden as their leader.

Significant themes

• Duty and competing loyalties: Li Gong must choose between aiding a troubled empire and protecting its distant frontier.
• The cost of abandonment: The Western kingdoms fear that once Tang forces leave, they may never return.
• Forethought and legacy: Taizong’s edict suggests an effort to safeguard the Western Regions beyond his own lifetime.
• Power and legitimacy: The genuine edict, local allies, and Verdant Green Maiden’s authority overturn Li Gong’s formal position.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden admits to Wei Boyu that she is the Heavenly Maiden from the legends.
• Wei Boyu temporarily assumes the duties of the Pacified West Grand Protector and orders the withdrawal of the Pacified West Army from the Hexi Corridor.
• Verdant Green Maiden visits Kucha and the Heavenly Mountain Kingdom, advising them to cooperate with the Pacified West Grand Protectorate.
• Li Jiqing, in Shu, orders the Pacified West Army to return to Guanzhong but fails to receive a response.
• Li Heng, in Shuofang, pacifies most of Hebei but does not reclaim Guanzhong as ordered by Li Jiqing.
• Li Jiqing, realizing Li Heng's intentions, orders him to recover the Two Capitals within half a year or face punishment.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden: She continues to guide and influence key figures, revealing her true identity to Wei Boyu.
• Wei Boyu: He assumes the role of the Pacified West Grand Protector, demonstrating loyalty and capability.
• Li Jiqing: He becomes increasingly desperate and powerless, unable to control the situation in the realm.
• Li Heng: He strengthens his position in Hebei but defies Li Jiqing's orders, revealing his ambition to carve out his own domain.

Significant Themes

• The decline of Great Tang: The chapter emphasizes the disintegration of the Tang Dynasty, with Li Jiqing's powerlessness and Li Heng's defiance contributing to its downfall.
• Guidance and influence: Verdant Green Maiden's guidance shapes the actions of key figures, highlighting her role in the story.
• Ambition and power: Characters like Li Heng and Verdant Green Maiden display ambition, while Li Jiqing's powerlessness emphasizes the theme of power dynamics.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Wei Boyu: They interact as Verdant Green Maiden reveals her true identity and guides Wei Boyu in his new role.
• Li Jiqing and the Court Officials: Li Jiqing's interactions with his court officials highlight his powerlessness and desperation, as they either avoid his gaze or comply reluctantly with his orders.
• Li Jiqing and Li Heng: Their interaction, or lack thereof, demonstrates Li Heng's defiance and Li Jiqing's inability to control the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Heng, the Prince of Jin, is warned by the Bad People Commander not to speak recklessly after criticizing the Emperor (Li Jiqing) in public.
• Li Heng receives an Imperial Edict from Li Jiqing, ordering him to lead an army to suppress rebels in Shu. However, Li Heng detains the Imperial Envoy and decides to rebel against Li Jiqing.
• Li Heng ascends the throne as Emperor, changing the era name to Perfect Virtue, and honors Li Jiqing as the Holy Duke. He then leads an army to reclaim Luoyang and eventually defeats the An-Shi Rebels in the Hexi Corridor.
• Li Heng receives a letter from a woman general, Ye Xian, in Lingnan, offering to join forces with him to pacify the southern unrest. He appoints her as Queen of the Hundred Yue and plans a northern and southern pincer attack.

Character Developments

• Li Heng: Shows ambition and decisiveness in rebelling against Li Jiqing and taking the throne. He is determined to restore order to the Great Tang and is impressed by Ye Xian's loyalty.
• Li Jiqing: Fainted and became bedridden after hearing about Li Heng's rebellion. His fate is uncertain as Li Heng sends an army to receive him.
• Ye Xian: Demonstrates loyalty to the Great Tang and initiative in offering to join Li Heng's campaign to pacify the southern unrest. Li Heng appoints her as Queen of the Hundred Yue.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power struggle: Li Heng's ambition leads him to rebel against Li Jiqing and take the throne.
• Loyalty and initiative: Ye Xian's loyalty to the Great Tang and initiative in offering to join Li Heng's campaign are rewarded with her appointment as Queen of the Hundred Yue.

Character Interactions

• Li Heng and the Bad People Commander: The Bad People Commander warns Li Heng not to speak recklessly, showing that he is aware of Li Heng's ambition and the potential consequences.
• Li Heng and the Imperial Envoy: Li Heng detains the Imperial Envoy and decides to rebel against Li Jiqing, showing his decisiveness and ambition.
• Li Heng and Ye Xian: Li Heng is impressed by Ye Xian's loyalty and initiative, leading to his decision to appoint her as Queen of the Hundred Yue and plan a joint campaign with her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Jiqing, now frail and aged, prepares to return to Chang'an after being summoned by Li Heng.
• A violent storm occurs as Li Jiqing's convoy crosses the Han River, causing his Imperial Carriage to crash into him, resulting in his death.
• Li Jiqing's ministers initially mourn his death but later, at the Bad Commander's suggestion, interpret his death as a voluntary act to plead guilty before Li Heng (Emperor Taizong).
• Verdant Green Maiden, using her powers, orchestrates the storm to kill Li Jiqing, expressing her dissatisfaction with Li Heng's inaction.

Character Developments

• Li Jiqing: His health has severely declined, and he clings to the hope of regaining power upon returning to Chang'an.
• Li Heng (Emperor Taizong): Though not present, his actions and intentions drive the plot. He summons Li Jiqing but does not meet him, indicating his desire to maintain power while avoiding direct confrontation.
• Verdant Green Maiden: She uses her powers to kill Li Jiqing, demonstrating her growing disregard for the Book of Fate and the Heavenly People's will. She also expresses her dissatisfaction with Li Heng's inaction.

Significant Themes

• Power struggle: Li Jiqing's desire to maintain or regain power, Li Heng's consolidation of power, and Verdant Green Maiden's intervention highlight the theme of power struggle.
• Fate and free will: Verdant Green Maiden's actions challenge the predetermined fate outlined in the Book of Fate, raising questions about free will and destiny.
• Mortality and consequences: Li Jiqing's death serves as a reminder of the characters' mortality and the consequences of their actions.

Character Interactions

• Li Jiqing and Li Heng: Though they do not meet, their relationship is tense, with Li Heng summoning Li Jiqing but not receiving him, indicating his desire to maintain control without direct confrontation.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Li Jiqing: Verdant Green Maiden's intervention in Li Jiqing's death demonstrates her growing disregard for the Book of Fate and her willingness to challenge the predetermined course of events.
• Li Jiqing's ministers: Their initial mourning and later interpretation of Li Jiqing's death show their adaptability and self-preservation in the face of changing circumstances.